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I’m a designer and researcher with a participatory and community-centered practice. Read more
brand strategy
participatory
Awarded CIM Award
LASALLE College of the Arts
2020
‘COHO’ is a two-year transitional housing service and community that provides low-income single parent households with stable and comfortable housing at an affordable rate alongside provision of educational resources and support in order to lead them towards self-reliance.
Research “I remember HDB said that on an exceptional basis, on a good will gesture, we’ll give you a house. That got me upset because she is Singaporean – she should be given a house. Why do we have to say on compassionate grounds, on goodwill, to make the person feel so bad about herself?!”
Mr Louis Ng recounting a single mother’s experience applying for a rental home with HDB.
“I remember HDB said that on an exceptional basis, on a good will gesture, we’ll give you a house. That got me upset because she is Singaporean – she should be given a house. Why do we have to say on compassionate grounds, on goodwill, to make the person feel so bad about herself?!”
Mr Louis Ng recounting a single mother’s experience applying for a rental home with HDB.
A family nucleus is defined as married couples (with or without children), divorced and widowed persons with full legal custody, care and control over their children.
According to the Housing & Development Board (HDB) Public Scheme in 2020
Through two months of research and speaking to various stakeholders, the unequal access to public housing was indentified as a major stressor that exacerbates any existing issues that single-parents face.
Stressors
1. Lack of recognition as a family nucleus
The definition of a family nucleus, under the HDB Public Scheme, excludes single parents. As a result they are exempt from the full entitlements of the Baby Bonus, Parenthood Tax Rebate (PTR) and most significantly, the eligbility requirement for flats and housing grants under the families scheme.
2. Excluded from Housing Schemes
Even if single-parents wait till 35 to apply for a house under the singles scheme, the maximum grant they can receive is $80,000 – half of a traditional family nucleus. They are also left out of schemes that cater specifically to divorced or widowed persons.
3. Lesser Childcare Subsidies
Although basic infant care and childcare subsidies are the same for all parents, the Additional Subsidy is only granted to parents who work 56 hours/month. This can make all the difference for many low-income parents who are taking on flexible, but often low-paying jobs in order to fulfill caregiving responsibilities.
Building Layout
This diagram illustrates the layout of the first three stories of the building and how the user personas, David and Julia interact with the spaces throughout the day. The building is divided into two – the right side representing night and the left side representing the day.
Application
Unlike conventional means testing, this application process takes a more qualitative approach that aims to understand the unique challenges of each family instead of depending on income caps and quantitative values. The programme also includes an educational portion that aims to empower them with practical skills through a variety of financial literacy and effective parenting workshops that they can customise according to their needs.
Education
The programme also includes an educational portion that aims to empower parents with practical skills through a variety of financial literacy and effective parenting workshops that they can customise according to their needs.